2026 Salary Guide
Teacher Salaries in Oregon
Oregon teachers earn an average of $67,954 per year — 1% below the national average.
Oregon Teacher Salary Overview
How Oregon Teacher Salaries Work
Oregon salaries are negotiated locally through collective bargaining. Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and Portland metro area districts offer the highest pay. Rural districts in eastern Oregon typically pay less. Oregon has a strong union presence (OEA — Oregon Education Association).
Key Factors That Affect Your Salary
- Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
- Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
- District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
- Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.
Additional context:
Oregon's strong collective bargaining culture has supported above-average teacher pay. The state faces significant teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and special education.
Top Hiring Districts in Oregon
These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.
4,199 total open positions across Oregon school districts.
Browse All Oregon Teaching JobsSee the full picture
Oregon ranks #13 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?
Ready to Teach in Oregon?
Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Oregon teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.
Oregon Certification Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Oregon — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Oregon Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Oregon Department of Education.
Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Oregon
- What is the average teacher salary in Oregon?
- The average public-school teacher salary in Oregon is approximately $67,954 per year (source: Oregon Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
- How does Oregon teacher pay compare to the national average?
- Oregon teachers earn about 1% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
- Do Oregon teachers get paid during the summer?
- Most Oregon districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
- What's the highest-paying school district in Oregon?
- Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Oregon.
- Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Oregon?
- Yes. Almost every Oregon district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.